Jackson County, Texas
COVID-19 Information

Office of the Texas Governor - Corona Virus Resources Page

April 17th, 2020 Governor Abbott's Executive Order Establishing Strike Force to Open Texas

Click here for the March 31, 2020 new Orders

(Click Here for the March 19th Orders)

• Order No. 1: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, every person in Texas shall avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.

• Order No. 2: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visiting gyms or massage parlors; provided, however, that the use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options is allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of this executive order.

• Order No. 3: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.

• Order No. 4: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, schools shall temporarily close.

These orders will be effective on a statewide basis starting at 11:59 PM on March 20, 2020 and will end at 11:59 PM on April 3, 2020, subject to extension thereafter based on the status of COVID-19 in Texas and the recommendations of the CDC.

This executive order does not prohibit people from visiting a variety of places, including grocery stores, gas stations, parks, and banks, so long as the necessary precautions are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. This executive order does not mandate sheltering in place. All critical infrastructure will remain operational, domestic travel will remain unrestricted, and government entities and businesses will continue providing essential services.

JACKSON COUNTY OFFICE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

KELLY R. JANICA, EMC

115 WEST MAIN ROOM 104

EDNA, TEXAS 77957

jceoc@co.jackson.tx.us

Office: 361.782.3398 Cell: 361.782.1743

Dear Citizens of Jackson County,

As local leaders of Jackson County we want our residents to know that we have been working closely with state and local officials over the last week to ensure that the county is prepared for the COVID-19 virus. At this time there are confirmed cases in both Matagorda and Lavaca Counties and we believe that it is not a matter of if, but when our county has a confirmed case. There is a strong possibility that the virus is already amongst us but the carrier is not showing signs. However, everyone should know that rather than panicking, we should use some vigilance and common sense and work as a community to slow the spread of the virus. That means taking some precautionary

measures now before the virus has entered our county.

We ask that everyone continue to follow these recommendations that have been provided by Center for Disease Control and President Trump. If you have a non-essential event planned in the next 15 days where more than 10 will be in attendance, it is in our community’s best interest for those events to be cancelled or postponed. Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene and keeping individuals six feet apart. By keeping your distance from one another, you could be preventing spreading the virus to someone who may have a harder time recovering from it.

If you are not feeling well we are asking for you to stay home and not get out in the community. This is extremely important to keep the spread of the virus. We also recommend the following practices based on the CDC guidelines: wash hands, use hand sanitizer, cover coughs, avoid touching, disinfect surfaces, and avoid close contact.

We have also been in communication with our local grocery stores and they will continue to get us the necessities that we need. There is no need to purchase several weeks’ worth of supplies. This will help everyone get the goods and supplies that they need.

We will continue to work with healthcare officials, the schools, and other leaders in the community as this situation evolves. We will update new information as it becomes available. Again, we are urging everyone to do their part to protect our community. Too many cases of COVID-19 in our community could put a strain on our local and regional healthcare facilities and goal at this time is to slow the spread. That means following the above guidelines which we have gathered from the health experts from local, state and federal agencies.

Sincerely,

Judge Jill S. Sklar Mayor Clinton Tegeler

Jackson County City of Ganado

Mayor Lance Smiga Mayor Richard Koch

City of Edna City of Laward

Jackson County Sheriff Update on Covid-19- Sunday March 22, 2020

These are current questions asked to your Dispatchers each hour:

Is Jackson County on State or Federal lockdown/shelter in place? No, we are NOT currently under lockdown or shelter-in-place, however we strongly recommended citizens self-quarantine and practice social distancing as endorsed by the CDC.

Edna and Ganado have curfew requirements in place that prohibit children ages 17 and younger from being out in the community between the hours of 10pm – 6am.

Has the National Guard been deployed? Not at this time. However, Governor Abbott has enacted the National Guard in order to mobilize quickly ONLY in the event they are needed to respond.

Jackson County is working with local businesses to maintain operations to the best extent possible. Restaurants have adapted to drive-thru or carry out services only. Local grocery stores, dollar stores, and convenience stores continue to receive shipments. There is NO need to overbuy. Please be considerate of each other.

Citizens are strongly encouraged to rely on credible sources for accurate information. Please allow dispatch to respond to emergency calls. If you have COVID-19 questions during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm), please call 361-782-3371.